Classic roast turkey

Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for classic roast turkey

Jan 07, 2008 3:56am

By Emma Knowles

20 mins preparation

2 hrs 25 mins cooking plus brining

Serves 6

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Classic roast turkey

Traditionally, the breasts were carved from the roast turkey at the table and served hot, while the remainder was returned to the kitchen, where the leg meat was used in a ‘gentleman’s supper’, which is, really, a nice way to phrase ‘leftovers’. Here’s a recipe for the classic roast turkey, and some of the following ones show you ways to put leftovers to good use. You will need to begin this recipe 1½ days ahead.

Ingredients

1 4kg turkey

2 onions, cut into wedges

100 gm butter, softened

100 gm butter, softened

500 ml dry white wine (2 cups)

80 ml verjuice (1/3 cup)

300 ml chicken stock

To serve: roast pumpkin and boiled peas

Brine

440 gm white sugar (2 cups)

500 gm fine sea salt (2 cups)

1 bunch each of thyme and sage

2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper

Sage and lemon stuffing

200 gm fresh sourdough breadcrumbs

2 eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup finely chopped sage leaves

60 gm dried cranberries

2 tbsp finely grated lemon rind

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

Method

Main

1

For brine, combine ingredients and 8 litres of water in a large stockpot, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat, then strain, discarding solids, and cool.

2

Submerge turkey in brine, use a large heavy plate to weight down and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (see note). Five hours before cooking, remove turkey from brine, rinse under cold running water and pat dry with absorbent paper.

Preheat oven to 180C. Scatter onion wedges over base of roasting pan, place turkey on top, rub with butter and season to taste. Add wine to pan, cover breasts with foil and roast, basting frequently (including breasts), for 1 hour. Add water to pan, if necessary, to prevent scorching. Remove foil and cook until golden brown and just cooked through (45 minutes for cooked breast and just cooked thigh to 1 hour for well-done breast and thigh).

5

Remove turkey and onion from pan, cover loosely with foil to keep warm and rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place pan over medium heat, add verjuice and stir to deglaze pan, then add stock and simmer for 10-15 minutes over medium heat or until sauce has reduced and is rich, season to taste and strain into a serving jug. Carve turkey and serve with onion, pan juices, roast pumpkin and peas.

Notes

The turkey is brined to maintain moisture during cooking. The resting period is important when cooking turkey and should never be omitted.Drink Suggestion: The best well-cellared shiraz you can afford. Drink suggestion by Max Allen